Since the inception of Call 12 for Action in 2000, we've saved consumers exactly $9,242,923. When you consider that 43 percent of that money was recovered in the past four years, it makes me exceptionally proud to be part of this consumer unit representing both TV and print, Channel 12 and The Arizona Republic.

Four years ago, I was a night general-assignment reporter with a penchant for covering crime stories. Blood and guts were my specialty, as they say in news.

Then I got this job. Now, I fight for the little guy, and there's no way one person can do it alone. I have 30 soldiers — volunteers who dedicate their time to solving people's problems with businesses and government entities on a daily basis.

I also sit across from the best investigative print reporter in town. Robert Anglen is a bulldog, and I continue to learn so much from my colleague. The new girl on our team, Stacia Naquin, solves consumer problems during our morning newscast. She greets us with a smile every day and a passionate desire to help consumers navigate through any problem. Simply put: She's infectious.

Am I bragging? Yes! This is the time to brag. We have already saved consumers more than $1 million this year. The milestone comes five months before the end of the year, which means this will be the most successful year in Call 12 for Action history.

Do we have more work to do? Yes. We also have a lot to learn and a lot to teach.

Thank you for trusting us. Thank you for your patience as we work through your cases.